Probable cause
The tailwheel spring's overload failure during landing, resulting in a ground loop and runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the accident landing proceeded normally until he moved the control yoke from full forward to full aft, and the airplane’s tail moved abruptly to the left. The pilot's application of full left rudder and power did not stop the movement, and the airplane entered a ground loop to the right and departed the runway. Examination of the airplane found that the tailwheel spring failed during landing. The observed spring separation was consistent with overload.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA492 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 10, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Springfield, Minnesota
- Nearest airport
- Springfield Municipal Airport (D42)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule M-4
- N-number
- N12026
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.